Studieblad c. 1886 - 1903

Isaac Israels created this study sheet using graphite on paper. The directness and simplicity of the medium reflects Israels' commitment to capturing fleeting moments of everyday life. Here, we can consider the cultural significance of drawing as a fundamental skill, and how it provides the basis for other creative practices. Israels' expressive lines emphasize the immediacy of the creative process, and the relationship between the artist's hand and the subject. This work offers a glimpse into the artist's working method, in which the act of drawing becomes a way of observing and understanding the world. By foregrounding the techniques, tools, and skilled traditions of drawing, we can expand our understanding of Israels' artistic vision. The work invites us to appreciate the value of everyday materials, and the importance of craft in the creation of art.